Critics from Den of Geek noted that Judith's actions represent one of the "most horrific acts a mother can perform," highlighting the show's theme of the high price of political stability.
"The Most Terrible Thing" is the 17th episode of the fifth season of the historical drama television series Vikings . It first aired on January 9, 2019, on History . The episode is titled after a dark confession made by Queen Judith and covers multiple shifting power dynamics across Wessex, York, and Iceland. 🗡️ Plot Summary "Vikings" The Most Terrible Thing(2019)
In Floki’s settlement, a tragic turn of events leaves Floki powerless and disillusioned as the settlers continue to descend into violence and chaos. Critics from Den of Geek noted that Judith's
Queen Judith confesses to King Alfred that she poisoned her own son, Aethelred, to protect Alfred's reign. She warns him that "the most terrible thing" is what one must do to survive and keep power. The episode is titled after a dark confession
Bjorn Ironside makes a difficult pact with King Harald Finehair to prepare for an invasion of Kattegat.
Ivar the Boneless strengthens his "reign of terror," focusing on total control and reporting, which critics compared to the surveillance of Soviet Russia. 🛡️ Cast & Key Figures Alexander Ludwig as Bjorn Ironside Alex Høgh Andersen as Ivar the Boneless Gustaf Skarsgård as Floki Jennie Jacques as Queen Judith Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as King Alfred Peter Franzén as King Harald Finehair 📜 Themes & Reception
Floki’s storyline in Iceland reaches a low point as his vision for a peaceful "Land of the Gods" is shattered by human greed.